diff --git a/hypr/hyprlock.conf b/hypr/hyprlock.conf
index 1d414b5..caff948 100644
--- a/hypr/hyprlock.conf
+++ b/hypr/hyprlock.conf
@@ -38,10 +38,10 @@ input-field {
     fail_color = rgba(255, 50, 80, 0.9) rgba(255, 0, 100, 0.9) 30deg
 
     font_color = rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9)
-    # fade_on_empty made the empty field nearly invisible (combined with the
-    # transparent inner_color and an empty $LAYOUT placeholder under fcitx5),
-    # leaving only the clock on screen with no way to tell where to type.
-    fade_on_empty = false
+    # Only show the field once typing starts (old behaviour). The colours above
+    # were brightened and the placeholder made static so the field is clearly
+    # visible while typing — see the $LAYOUT/fcitx5 note below.
+    fade_on_empty = true
     rounding = 20
 
     position = 0, 60